November 15th; Turning 17 in Sweden!

Hi all! I am very excited to write this post, but I wanted to say a few quick things. As happy as this post will be, I also touch on my deep feelings. This was the first birthday I have ever spent away from my parents, which is bound to bring up some confusing feelings! I hope you enjoy reading this!

The celebration for my brithday starts on Wednesday, November 13th! After our Swedish lesson Wednesday night, those who weren't busy made the decision to accompany Sadie, another exchange student, and I for our birthday dinner! Sadie and I are birthday twins! It was so cool when we found out, seeing as neither of us had found a birthday twin in years before! I had a fantastic time celebrating my birthday alongside someone who has become one of my best friends.

Sadie and I decided we wanted sushi for our birthday dinner, and headed out into Stockholm to find a restuarant! We had quite a large group and had so much fun talking and laughing. Eventually, we got tired out and decided to head home.

Then, as Friday rolls around, it's my actually birthday! Part of Swedish tradition is you are woken up early on your birthday to singing and are brought a few presents. My mom, Brianne Goetzinger, has posted a couple posts on Facebook about my birthday, and my morning wakeup, if you would like to see that. If you were in on the secret, a good friend back home worked hard to throw me a birthday card shower, even though I am on the opposite side of the world! They collected over 80 cards, and were send to me here in Sweden. My host mom arranged them in a box and wrapped it for me to open early on my birthday! It was definitely a shock, but I was so incredibly grateful! To those who sent me a card, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so so much. Keep your eyes peeled in the next couple weeks, as there is something special coming to those who wrote me a card. To those who weren't able to send me a card, but wished me a happy birthday, thank you so much. Feeling the amount of love from you back home, even 4,000 miles away, was all I could ask for. Thank you again.

After my birthday wakeup, I showered and got ready for the day before heading to school. My classmates all wished me a happy birthday as well, which was so kind! After school, I met up with one of my best friends, as you'll see. His host brother's birthday was also that weekend, and he was unable to come to my birthday party on Saturday. I got to see him on my actual birthday, so that made it okay! We hung out at my house, and did a whole lot of nothing before he took off and my birthday dinner started.

My host parents cooked, as usual, but we had an appetizer, main course, and dessert! I was so spoiled! After our main course, we took a break so I could call my family! We ended up calling for nearly two hours. After, my birthday cake was brought out! It was a very popular cake here in Sweden, Prinsesstårta, or, Princess Cake! Princess cake is a traditional Swedish layer cake or consisting of alternating layers of airy sponge cake, pastry cream, and a thick-domed layer of whipped cream. The cake is covered by a layer of rolled marzipan, giving it a smooth, rounded top. The marzipan overlay is usually green, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and often decorated with a pink marzipan rose. (Thank you, Wikipedia.) It was my first time trying Prinsesstårta, and really enjoyed it! It is something I will definietly get again!

We ate cake and had tea, while I opened my birthday presents. I was so shocked at how much my host family chose to spoil me, and was, and still am, so grateful for everything they have done for me. From my host sibling, I got a candle and a travel mug (with Old Town of Stockholm on it!) since I never usually have enough time to finish my tea or coffee in the mornings before I head to school. This way, I can have it on the way! I use it nearly every day! From my host parents, I got a new, gray cardigan that's a very popular style here, as well as another pair of black slacks since my others were getting worn down. I also got a scarf for this winter! This was one of my faovrite presents, and I use it every single day! Especially now since we're deep within winter here in Sweden.

I am so thankfu to everything I got from my family and friends here, and back home. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

As Saturday rolled around, I started setting up for my joint birthday party! Sadie and I decided to join our birthday parties together, but I would host! We came up with the idea to have a charcuterie board party, where everyone gets created and brings a different type of charcuterie board! It was a big turn out, and Sadie and I ended up ordering pizza for everyone, and that was a big hit as well!

We danced, sang, laughed, and ate a bunch of food! There was around 15 of us, so it was a full house. Luckily, I was able to have the house to myself! At around 9:30, everyone started to get pretty tired, as the party started at 5. I walked everyone to their bus stops, came home and finished cleaning up what my friends and I hadn't finished and headed to bed. I was in bed by 10:30, and it was honeslty a picture-perfect night!

Overall, my birthday in Sweden was absolutly amazing! I know I am very loved here, but seeing it from the perspective of a holiday or celebration, it really puts it in focus for me. I am so thankful for everyone I have here, and my friends and family.

If you were apart of celebrating my birthday in any way, thank you again!

Talk soon!

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